I did check the SSM first to see what seeing was like and quickly decided to go for the Solarscope. I really struggled to get it on band, I have no idea why, too cold? seeing was terrible too (as predicted by the SSM).

Anyway I managed a couple of animations of the two prominences that were on show today, it was so lovely to be back imaging

Sadly though I am not sure whether I will be able to use my C11 for a long time now. My roadie (the hubby) was told yesterday he needs major surgery on his shoulder, it was a bit of a shock. So there is no way I can get the C11 on the mount. I am so disappointed, why am I such a weakling

Is there a good technique to get something heavy on a mount on your own? I have tried the horizontal method Stu showed me but I still can't do it. It is too big, awkward and heavy. I wish it had handles but they don't seem to sell them and mine just has one in a very odd place. I wish telescope designers would use a bit of common sense. I am gutted really as I am so keen to try out my new ND3.8 filter and I don't see how I am going to do it now.

As for the C11 problem. You can buy a special all weather cover for the C11 and it's mount. It can live outside for months being covered with this special cover. My C11 did this for 8 or 9 months before I bough the SkyShed.

Valery

"Solar H alpha activity is the most dynamic and compelling thing you can see in a telescope, so spend accordingly." (c) Bob Yoesle.

Brilliant stuff. Good you are imaging again.
Have you got an ADM saddle clamp on the mount. I find that is really helpful. Setting it horizontal it is easier to get the scope hooked over the bottom edge to take the weight and the shuffle about and screw the clamp shut.
Robert

Excellent animations, Alexandra, specially considering the conditions ! You made my day too..... I enjoy seeing all that plasma flowing.
Here the weather is ugly and cold: I miss imaging but hope something good will appear soon and a clear sunny day during the weekend will allow me to start imaging with a scope.

I would suggest a cover like Valery suggests...although I never left the scope out as long as he has, I have had the mount out under a cover for an entire summer/fall and the electronics survived fine.

We had a some sun later in the day today but no time to take a peek. Packing to get ready to head to the airport tomorrow for a week in the Dominican. I'm leaving the little solar scope behind this time...with the low activity not much to view or show to curious on lookers either. Timing is bad as the coming week should produce a good sap run, but I'll have to play catch-up in the sugar bush when I get back (supposed to turn cold later in the week and will buy me some time...I hope ).

Hi Alexandra, maybe it is an idea to get wheels under your mount. I just bought a second hand Skywatcher Pillar Mount. The wheels are a bit small, have to get bigger wheels. But it works! So leave the C11 attached to your mount and roll it out. Good luck, Bart.

Brian, have a wonderful time in the Sun, but get back soon for that Maple sap run, we can't afford to miss it, peoples pancakes rely on you

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. We have been thinking long and hard today. I think a cover would be bad because it is a bit of security risk, if plants get stolen from around here I would hate to leave an expensive telescope and mount out! A shed is out, our garden is far too small. I have only one mount so if I left it on I couldn't use the TEC
The only thing I can think of is to use my little step ladder, I can lift the scope but I can't get it above waist height, if I go up the step ladder I should then be the same height as the mount and can drop it in. I can then get the hubby with his left hand to tighten the bolts. I hope this works, we shall have a practice shortly, if it works I will let you know.
Alexandra

I was out on Sunday morning for an hour or so. The seeing was terrible then as well. Really boiling, despite the cold conditions around. I managed a few images which I'll post between applying coats of paint..... still decorating

As for the scope, maybe a jacking trolley would allow you to get it from ground level to the mount, but I guess rolling the scope into position on the mount could still be very tricky and risky. Is there no obliging neighbour to assist you?

As for the C11 problem, I had the same issue with my N300 mm on my AP1200. The mount is very high, and it is very difficult to lift the scope.
I thought about a ladder, but it is not that stable or easy to manage.
Finally, I remember I had two large trunks like this in my garage. It is very easy to step on these (one for each foot ...). There is no problem with stability. And you get 25 cm higher, which makes a big difference :

The handle is a great idea! I'd want two of the rails though, I hate the little thin mounting rail that is on the bottom at the moment. How do you screw these on to the scope, do you have to drill holes? if so, how do you know where it is safe to do so? I need to think about this quick as he only has two arms until 13th March, after that, me - a screwdriver and drill, heaven help us!
Don't cut the legs of your EQ6 mount though Mark, that would be barbaric
Alexandra